Survivors, supporters walk for cancer cure

Saturday

Apr 26, 2008 at 12:01 AMApr 26, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Survivors took the first lap as hundreds gathered Friday night to participate in Shawnee’s annual Relay for Life. Among them was Vickie Sparks, a survivor of more than 20 years, and her two granddaughters — one a cancer survivor the other still battling leukemia.

Jason Smith

Survivors took the first lap as hundreds gathered Friday night to participate in Shawnee’s annual Relay for Life.

Among them was Vickie Sparks, a survivor of more than 20 years, and her two granddaughters — one a cancer survivor the other still battling leukemia.

“It’s much easier to be the cancer patient than to watch what cancer does to those you love,” Sparks said.

Sparks served as survivor speaker, while her husband, Larry Sparks, read a poem he wrote.

“One day, hope becomes reality,” Sparks read as he assured those present that one day they will all gather to do nothing more than celebrate because a cure will be found.

The annual walk to raise money for cancer research began at 7 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center and concluded at 7 a.m. Saturday.

Danielle Wellman served as master of ceremonies. She said the evening is a chance to honor those who have survived, remember those who lost their battle to cancer and continue efforts to eliminate the disease. The event lasts through the night, Wellman said, because cancer never sleeps.

Other events during the evening included a greased couple contest, a live auction, a Relay Idol contest and a luminaria ceremony.

Boy Scout Troop 461 presented the colors and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance, while Angel Duncan and the Bethel High School band performed the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Those greeting survivors as they began their lap were State Sen. Charles Laster, State Rep. Kris Steele, Shawnee Mayor Chuck Mills and District Attorney Richard Smothermon.

Shawnee News-Star writer Jason Smith may be reached at william.j.smith@news-star.com.